Wilkes-Barre Slip & Fall Lawyer
Slip and falls may sound like minor accidents to some, but they can result in very serious injury. According to the CDC, these accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries throughout the country. They are also one of the most common reasons people file personal injury claims every year. Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents do not give rise to a personal injury claim unless there is evidence that the property owner was negligent in some way. A Wilkes-Barre slip & fall lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if you have a valid claim for compensation.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Premises liability law in Pennsylvania states that property owners have a legal duty to keep their property relatively safe for others to enter. Slip and fall accidents occur when there are dangerous conditions on the property. There are many hazards that can lead to this type of accident, including:
- Spills or weather conditions that create slippery walking areas
- Stairs that are broken or in disrepair
- Handrails that are missing or that are not secure
- Poor lighting
- Uneven or broken floor tiles and loose carpeting
- Sidewalks and entryways that are not cleared of ice and snow
Any dangerous condition on a property, whether it is a private residence or commercial space, can result in a slip and fall claim.
Liability of Property Owners
Many factors will determine if property owners are liable in a slip and fall accident. One main factor is whether the property owner knew, or should have known about the hazardous condition that resulted in an accident. Legally, property owners are required to inspect their property regularly and correct any dangerous conditions.
Property owners are not legally required to immediately know about a hazardous condition that just occurred, however. A slip and fall attorney can investigate how long the property owner knew, or should have known, about the condition.
When the property owner should have known about the condition, another factor in slip and fall cases is whether they took adequate steps to warn others of the danger. If they posted warning signs or placed cones around the hazard so people wouldn’t walk into it, those are typically considered adequate measures that will shield the property owner from liability.
In some cases, property owners create a dangerous condition, which is also considered negligence. Property owners cannot create hazards on their property when they know others are present there. For example, homeowners cannot release rainwater from their downspout onto a sidewalk, as it could create a slippery condition that has the potential to result in serious injury.
Need Advice in Your Slip and Fall Case? Call Our Pennsylvania Slip and Fall Attorneys
Any slip and fall accident could result in serious injuries. However, not all of these accidents result in a personal injury claim. If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, our Wilkes-Barre slip and fall attorneys can provide the advice you need. At O’Donnell Law Offices, we will assess the facts and circumstances surrounding your accident and determine whether you have a claim. Don’t wait to get started on your case. Call us today at (570) 821-5717 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
